Historic Preservation

New Downtown Olympia Survey

The City of Olympia received a grant to complete a comprehensive historic property survey of more than 75 blocks in downtown Olympia. The report includes a reconnaissance-level architectural history survey of downtown Olympia to inform thoughtful decisions on managing change in our historic Downtown. Learn more…

Historic Olympia

Olympia’s history is recorded and reflected in its buildings and landscapes, giving our Capital city a character like no other. The City's Heritage Commission and Historic Preservation Officer support Olympians in celebrating, caring for, and finding new uses for the historic places we treasure.

To learn more about historic properties in Olympia and throughout Thurston County, please visit the Thurston Regional Planning Council's interactive Online Historic Properties Map.

Olympia Heritage Register

Hundreds of Olympians have taken the lead to recognize and preserve our historic places by nominating their homes and neighborhoods for the Olympia Heritage Register. In effect since 1983, the program showcases and protects over 400 buildings and 5 districts around the city. These include properties listed on the Olympia, Washington, and National Registers.

In addition to the pride of living or working in a piece of Olympia history, owners of properties listed individually or in a historic district have access to these benefits:

Bronze markers for buildings listed individually

Building code relaxation

Free advice and educational program

Tax incentives

Tax Incentive Information

All individually listed Register properties and most buildings in designated historic districts qualify for property tax relief for approved rehabilitation work under the Special Valuation program. This program is managed under a joint effort between the City of Olympia and Thurston County. For more information on how Special Valuation works, contact the Historic Preservation Officer.

Rehabilitation of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places may also qualify for income tax relief under the Federal Historic Tax Credit program. This program is managed by the State of Washington’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

Application Process

Meet with Historic Preservation Officer for an initial tour of the property.

Hold a public meeting with the Heritage Commission at the property for initial review.

Take part in a formal public hearing at a regularly-scheduled meeting of the Heritage Commission.

If approved, receive formal notice that the property has been listed on the Olympia Heritage Register.

For individually listed properties, work with the Historic Preservation Officer on the text of the bronze plaque.

Building Permits for Register Properties

Whenever a building permit or other City approval is required for work on a Register property, the application process includes Heritage Review. This review only applies to proposed changes to the exterior of the building to ensure that they don't negatively affect the special historic character. Heritage Review happens automatically when you submit your permit application.